PBI-Guatemala accompanies Nuevo Dia to file complaint with Public Ministry over threats received

On January 16, the Peace Brigades International-Guatemala Project posted, “Yesterday we accompanied Nuevo Dia (CCCDN) to file a complaint in the MP [Public Ministry] of Jocotán, Chiquimula, for the threats they have received for their work to defend rights.”

The stated aim of the Ministerio Público (Public Ministry) is to “to ensure strict compliance with the laws of the country.”

The Front Line Defenders Global Analysis 2019 report released this week noted, “In Guatemala, members of the Nuevo Dia Chorti Indigenous Association (CCCDN) were subjected to numerous attacks, intimidation and attempts to divide the community, when they were portrayed as taking advantage of their leadership roles for personal gain.”

That report adds, “CCCDN provides support to Maya Chorti communities whose way of life is at risk due to hydroelectric and mining projects being implemented on their territories.”

The Chʼortiʼ people are one of the indigenous Maya peoples, who primarily reside in communities and towns situated in southeastern Guatemala, northwestern Honduras, and northern El Salvador.

The Nuevo Dia website has noted, “We combine efforts to defend the territory still occupied by Ch’orti’ families. We are also known for articulating the proposal for the rural economic recovery in the eastern part of Guatemala.”

“We develop actions that allow the autonomy required for the Good Living of the Ch’orti’ People and their territorial co-inhabitants.”

And PBI-Guatemala has previously explained, “CCCND work in the four Ch’orti’ municipalities in the east of the country – Camotán, Jocotán, Olopa and La Unión – in the department of Chiquimula.”

“The work of CCCND revolves around the defence of the territory and its main concerns and actions focus on the impacts of projects and megaprojects on the environment and local economies.”

“CCCND carry out training and educational work with the rural communities on subjects related to the peasant economy, environment, rights and territory, and recognition as indigenous communities, all in coordination with other organizations of the region.”

“Several of its members have received threats, including death threats, suffered intimidation and attacks due to their work in the communities.”

PBI-Guatemala has accompanied Nuevo Dia since 2009.